Ausangate Karpay

This is the original Hatun Karpay of Don Mariano Turbo, initiated to Juan Nuñez Del Prado in the 1980s. His son, Nazario Turpo became a teacher of Ivan’s in the 1990s. The tradition has now been passed down the lineage to the grandson Rufino Turpo who will be leading this group with his son José.

Discover the magic of Apu Ausangate and live a unique experience in Andean spirituality!

The Father of all Mountains

Ausangate is one of the most significant and revered mountains in the Andes of Peru. He is located in the Vilcanota mountain range, approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Cusco. His elevation of 6,372m (approximately 20,900 ft) makes him not only the highest peak in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, but also the fourth highest mountain in Peru. The challenging nature of the climb attracts adventurers and mountaineers, but his significance goes beyond his physical attributes.

The Quechua people have a deep spiritual connection with Apu Ausangate, viewing him as a protector and a source of life for the surrounding regions. The glacier that melts from the Ausangate mountain plays a crucial role in providing water to various areas, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and even contributing to the flow of rivers that eventually reach parts of the Amazon basin.

The local people consider Ausangate a sacred mountain, often referring to him as "Apu Ausangate" with "Apu" (meaning lord or mighty one), signifying a divine mountain spirit in Inka cosmology. The reverence for Apu Ausangate is part of the traditional Andean belief system, where some mountains, rivers, and lakes are considered sacred and inhabited by spiritual beings. The Quechua people have maintained their cultural and spiritual connection with these nature beings for centuries, passing down their beliefs through oral traditions and rituals. Ausangate, as "the father of all mountains," holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the local communities, symbolising not only a physical presence but also a spiritual force that sustains life in the region.

Our lineage has another interesting take on how Ausangate got his name. There is a spiritual practice in the Andes called Wasichakuy. It is a ritual to invite the spirit of an important Andean priest/priestess to set up home in the mountain to be a protector for the people of the surrounding area. One such prominent Andean priest was called Kausay Khati, who is estimated to have lived there over 1000 years ago. His name means - “seeker of the most pure living energy”. It is believed Kausay Khati wanted to re-establish the harmony of the living energy in the last century. 

Ausangate is a third level “Suyu Apu”, which means he has grown in status to become a protector for the nation. Many people from all over the world are drawn to this mountain, which suggests he is ever expanding his energy field.

If you are feeling the call, maybe you are also a seeker of this most pure living energy.

Travel Dates & Prices

Arrival: - 15 August, 2024 in the afternoon (in Cusco)
End: - 21 August, 2024 in the morning (in Cusco) 

Participation fees:

Deposit - UK £190 sterling (+fees if you are using Paypal or bank transfer)

Remaining trip payment - US $1275 (+fees) per person paid directly to Ivan Nuñez Del Prado

Included in the price: 

• Hotels in Cusco - for nights of 15 and 20 August

• Evening meal on 15th, and breakfast on 21 August

• Camping equipment - tents, camp mats, sleeping bags for those who need it

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner while camping

• Hotel room to share with your partner or a person of the same gender, half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner). *Please see below for single room supplement

• All entrance fees, horses and bus rides to all the sacred sites

Not included in the Price: 

• Flights

• Travel from the airport to the hotel (and return)

• *Single room supplement - please add US$100 to your payment to Ivan (with ref to single room supplement in the transfer)

• Drinks for lunch and dinner as well as voluntary tips

• Please consider around US$30 per day for food and drinks 

• Sleeping bag, camp mat and any other camping accessories should you choose to bring your own